Killing Repentant Bandits, Secessionists Violates Religious, International Law – Gumi

Renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has condemned calls for the execution of repentant insurgents and secessionists, describing such actions as contrary to religious teachings and international law.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Gumi said the killing of repentant insurgents, secessionists, or prisoners of war is morally wrong and a violation of both Islamic principles and global legal standards.

His comments come days after some lawmakers urged the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation of repentant terrorists and instead prosecute individuals found guilty of terrorism and related offences.

Gumi warned that the International Criminal Court, ICC, is closely monitoring such actions in Nigeria. He urged government officials and security actors to consider both legal and religious implications before taking decisions driven by emotion.

“Adopting the same approach as terrorist groups by killing perceived enemies undermines morality and does not help in winning conflicts,” he stated.

The cleric added that decisions in the fight against insecurity must be guided by law and principle, not anger or public pressure.

In his words:  

“Killing repentant insurgents and secessionists is against religious and international law. The same applies to prisoners of war. The ICC is listening if you don’t fear Allah. Where is morality? It’s the same logic terrorists employ to kill all others besides them. Emotions don’t win a war.”

*Senate Backs Prosecution Over Rehabilitation*

During plenary on Tuesday, the Senate resolved that persons found culpable in terrorism and other organised criminal offences should face immediate prosecution rather than rehabilitation.

The lawmakers insisted that justice must be seen to be done in order to restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.

The resolution was adopted as part of measures to address the worsening security situation across Nigeria.